Removal of Government Doctor in Udaipur

Background on Dr. Ashok Sharma

In Udaipur, the Rajasthan government has terminated the appointment of Dr. Ashok Sharma, the in-charge of Badgaon Satellite Hospital, and placed him under an Awaiting Posting Order (APO). This decision was made due to allegations that he created social media reels during his duty hours. Dr. Sharma is known for his amicable demeanor, availability, and strong rapport with patients. His social media presence is notable, boasting over 310,000 followers on Instagram, where he often shares health-related content to raise awareness.

Reasons for Removal

The health department acted on multiple complaints against Dr. Sharma. These complaints included claims that he produced Instagram reels while on duty, neglected to address an illegal medical store situated near the hospital, and had a history of tardiness and negligence. Following the announcement of his removal, the government instructed him to report to the Jaipur headquarters.

Dr. Sharma’s Response

In response to the APO notice, Dr. Sharma shared two heartfelt videos on his social media platforms. In the first video, he expressed confusion regarding the reasons for his dismissal. The second video, filmed at the hospital, depicted him attending to patients, where he stated, “Some patients were still waiting, so I came. My order has come. I’ll be here till Monday – get your treatment done.”

Community Reaction

The news of Dr. Sharma’s removal deeply affected the local community. Footage from the hospital captured villagers visibly upset, with some even shedding tears. Dr. Sharma himself appeared emotional as he interacted with patients. Residents praised him as one of the few government doctors who consistently demonstrated dedication and approachability in rural healthcare, describing his departure as a significant loss.

One villager shared with Free Press Journal, “Such dedicated doctors are extremely rare in the government system.” Another commented, “People don’t cry this much even when someone dies, but today they’re crying for their doctor.”

Conclusion

Dr. Ashok Sharma’s sudden removal has sparked a strong emotional response from the community he served, highlighting the vital role he played in their healthcare.